Psalms 55:21

WEB

His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

KJV

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

Commentary

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter,.... Such were the words of Ahithophel, when in counsel with David; and such the words of Judas, when he said to Christ, " hail, master", and kissed him, Mat 26:49 ; but war was in his heart; even a civil war, rebellion against his prince; that was what Ahithophel meditated in his heart; and nothing less than to take away the life of Christ was designed by Judas. The words may be rendered, "they were divided" (e); that is, his mouth and his heart: "his mouth was butter, and his heart war"; the one declared for peace, when the other intended war; see Jer 9:8 ; his words were softer than oil; at one time full of soothing and flattery: yet were they drawn swords: at another time sharp and cutting, breathing out threatening and slaughter, destruction and death. (e) Sept. "divisi sunt", V. L. Hammond.